Hanuma Vihari Questions Patidar Omission
Vihari criticises selectors, India beats Zimbabwe

Hanuma Vihari, a former Indian batter, has expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of Rajat Patidar from the Indian squad for the T20I series against Zimbabwe.
Vihari's comments came after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the series, which did not include Patidar despite his impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. Patidar had a strong season with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and was expected to be included in the squad.
Vihari also questioned the omission of Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson from the squad, stating that the team lacked right-handed batters. He felt that the selectors had missed an opportunity to include some talented players in the squad.
Meanwhile, the Indian team has taken a 1-0 lead in the series after beating Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the first T20I. The win was a convincing one, with the Indian team chasing down the target with ease.
The exclusion of Patidar has raised eyebrows, given his recent form and leadership skills with RCB. Vihari's comments have added to the debate, with many fans and experts questioning the selectors' decision.
The Indian team will look to build on their win in the first T20I and take an unassailable lead in the series. However, the controversy over the squad selection is likely to continue, with Vihari's comments sparking a debate over the selectors' decisions.
The BCCI has not responded to Vihari's comments, and it remains to be seen how the selectors will justify their decisions. The series against Zimbabwe is an important one for the Indian team, and the selectors will be under pressure to deliver results.
In the context of Indian cricket, the debate over squad selection is not new. The selectors have faced criticism in the past for their decisions, and Vihari's comments are just the latest example of this. The Indian team has a rich pool of talent, and the selectors have a tough job in selecting the best squad.
The series against Zimbabwe is a crucial one for the Indian team, and the selectors will be hoping that their decisions pay off. However, the controversy over Patidar's exclusion is likely to continue, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds.
The Indian cricket team has a long history of producing talented players, and the current squad is no exception. However, the selectors' decisions have raised questions over the team's composition, and it remains to be seen how the team will perform in the series.
In conclusion, Hanuma Vihari's comments have sparked a debate over the selectors' decisions, and the controversy is likely to continue. The Indian team will look to build on their win in the first T20I and take an unassailable lead in the series, but the selectors will be under pressure to justify their decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Rajat Patidar left out of the Zimbabwe T20I squad?
The reason for Patidar's omission is not clear, but Hanuma Vihari has questioned the selectors' decision.
Who are the other players omitted from the squad?
Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson were also left out of the squad, according to Vihari.